COMMUNITIES across Wiltshire celebrated the national Armed Forces Day on Saturday and Sunday.

Armed Forces Day event is a chance for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

Some events hosted a minute’s silence to remember and raise the flags to all those who have died in service for their country.

Events were held in Chippenham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury and Tidworth offering residents the opportunity to celebrate and pay their respects to their military comrades.

Chippenham mayor, Councillor Liz Alstrom, and other civic dignitaries marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday at the steps of the Town Hall for a flag-raising ceremony with a one-minute silence.

They were joined by Royal British Legion, 9 Regiment RLC, Wiltshire Police, Chippenham Sea Cadets, and Buglers.

In Royal Wootton Bassett, a service was held on Saturday at the town’s War Memorial in the High Street.

In Salisbury, the city celebrated on Sunday with military displays from 32 Regiment Royal Artillery and the Military Intelligence. The free event took place in the Salisbury Market Place, Guildhall and Guildhall Place.

It provided Salisbury residents with the opportunity to pay tribute to serving military personnel and to the many veterans. There was live music from the Army Medical Services Band.

Visitors were able to see military charities, take part in workshops, and there were fair rides and face painting for children.

In Tidworth, an event was held on Saturday in the Polo Field behind Tedworth House, the home of national charity Help for Heroes.

Visitors enjoyed events including the Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Display Team and the Hawkeye Falconry with ‘have a go’ sessions, a BMX display by Extreme Bike Battle, the Tidworth Military Wives Choir, Covergirlz and various stalls selling their wares.

Toby Carvery's restaurants across Wiltshire, including Amesbury, Swindon and Trowbridge, celebrated the country's heroes on Armed Forces Day 2022 with a free Toby Carvery meal for armed forces personnel.

Trowbridge Town Council has decided to stage a new Uniform Services Day event in the Town Park on September 10 to celebrate the work of the emergency services and armed forces.

The last Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebrations event held in Trowbridge was in 2019 before the Covid pandemic began.